By Ahmad Alabira, Dutse
The wife of the Jigawa state Governor, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi has expressed concern over inadequate knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding by women in the state.
The Jigawa first lady observed that early return to work after child birth and lack of a conducive breastfeeding environment for working mothers constitute major problem for the new born babies.
Hajiya Hadiza Namadi stated this on Wednesday at the launch of the 2023 World breast feeding week held in Dutse.
Also speaking, Alhadji Diop, the Nutrition Manager of the United Nations Children Education Fund, (UNICEF), Field Office Kano said breastfeeding is crucial not only for the children but also to the lactating mothers.
He said inline with the theme of the 2023 breastfeeding week “Enabling Breastfeeding-Making a Difference for Working Parents”, the policy makers need to respect the directive.
“Breastfeeding is not only a natural and beautiful act but also crucial for the health and well-being of children and mothers.
“It is essential to reflect on the progress we have made so far and the strides that ahead in supporting our working parents”, he added.
He requested the Jigawa state government to address and promote breastfeeding support in workplace through extend paid maternity leave for government employees from the current 3-6 months.
He stressed that there is need for working parents to have provision of lactation rooms in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“We can create a supportive environment that enables breastfeeding, fosters working life balance and ensure the health and happiness of our families”, Rihod said.
Also, Dr Ibrahim Kabiru, the Director of the Primary Health care Agency said the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding include healthy child throughout his or her life.
He said mothers who practice exclusive breastfeeding also have benefits such as prevention of breast cancer, uterus cancer and other breast diseases.
“In Jigawa state only 20% of women practice exclusive breastfeeding and about 80% of them do not breastfeed for more than four months without mixing with water”, Kabiru said.
